Electric control circuit



May 7, 1946. E. c. WAHLBERG ELECTRIC CONTROL CIRCUIT Filed April 26, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 1' INVENTOR.

May 7, 1946. E. c. WAHLBERG ELECTRIC CONTROL CIRCUIT Filed April 26, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 wmf INVENTOR. /C W y 1946- E. c. WAHLBERG ELECTRIC CONTROL CIRCUIT 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 26, 1943 Patented May .7, 1946 OFFICE ELECTRIC CONTROL CIRCUIT Eric C. Wahlberg, Stamford, Conn., assignor to Electrolux Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application April 26, 1943, Serial No. 484,53l 25 Claims. (Cl. 172-239) My invention relates to automatic relay circuits and more particularly to such circuits for controlling the starting, running in forward and revers directions, and stopping of synchronously operating direct current motors of'the type disclosed in my copending applications Serial No. 428,018 filed January 24, 1942, and Serial No. 472,464 filed January 15, 1943.

In Serial No. 428,018 there is shown a plurality of direct current motors which are caused to run in synchronism by virtue of a three wire connection through suitable slip rings between three similar points in the armature windings of the motors. As disclosed in said application, the armatures of the several motors may be angularly positioned before starting by applying direct current across any two of these wires. After the motors have 'been positioned, the direct current supply to these two wires is interrupted and current is supplied to the armatures through the commutators of the motors in the usual manner.

Thereupon, the motors start and run in synchro-' nism due to the aforementioned three wire connection. The motors may be stopped in synchronism and their armatures angularly positioned with respect to each other by interrupting the current to the commutators and again applying direct current across two of the three wires.

As disclosed in application Serial No. 472,464,

satisfactory synchronous operation of a plurality of direct current motors maybe obtained by a two wire connection between similar points of the armature windings. The control circuits in accordance with the present invention are suitable for controlling the operation of motors-provided with either a three wire or a two wire connection between their armatures, but in the following only two wire connections will be described. a

A further object of my invention is to provide suitable control circuits for the specific purpose of controlling motors used to operate the landing flap on an airplane and to operate both the landing and diving flaps on a dive bomber.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description considered in connection with the accomp'anying drawings which form a part of this specification and of which- Fig. 1 is a wiring diagram illustrating one embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a wiring diagram illustrating another embodiment of my invention; and

Fig. 3 is a wiring diagram showing an embodiment of my invention for controlling the motors Old Greenwich, Conn,

operating both the landing and diving flaps of a dive bomber.

Referring more particularly-to Fig. 1, reference character "I designates a source of direct current, such as a twelve cell, 24 volt storage battery, one terminal of which is grounded while the other is connected to both blades of 'a double pole double throw switch l2. Contacts II and it of this switch are connected together by means of a. conductor l8 which is also connected to the blade of a single pole double throw switch 20. One of the terminals 22 ofthis switch is connected directly to the solenoid of a triple pole magnetic relay R4. The other terminal of the solenoid is connected to a normally open contact R4- of this relay and to the blade of a, thermal relay TRi. The normally open contact TRla of this thermal relay is connected to ground. One terminal of the heating element of the thermal relay is connected to the normally closed contact Rat, while the other temiinal of the heating element is connected to the contact 22 of the single pole double throw switch 20. The blade of relay mature windings.

R4 which cooperates with contacts R4. and R4b is connected to ground.

Contact 24 of the double pole switch I2 is connected to the solenoid of a double pole relay R2, the other terminal of which is grounded. The contact 28 of the double pole switch is connected to the solenoid of a double pole relay R1, the other terminal of which is likewise grounded.

The solenoid of a double pole relay R5 is connected to both ,of the contacts I and i6 of the double pole switch and to ground.

Reference characters A and B designate two similar direct current motors, each of which is provided with a pair of slip rings which are connected to two similar points of the respective ar- The brushes cooperating with these slip rings are connected together by means of conductors 28 and 30. The solenoid of a relay Re is interposed in one or the other of these conductors, for instance in the conductor 28.- The field windings l2 and 24 of the motors A and B,

' respectively, are connected in parallel to the conductors 36 and 38 which lead to the normally open contacts R5- and Rib, respectively, of the relay Ra. with the contact R5- is connected to both the contacts I l and ii of the double pole switch l2, while the blade which cooperates with the contact Rab is connected to ground.

Conductors 40 and 42 areconnected to any suitable source of direct current. Conductor 40 leads to the blade of relay R2 which cooperates with The blade of this relay which cooperates,

contact R'lb, and to the blade of relay R1 which cooperates with contact Rn, while conductor 42 leads to the blade relay R: which cooperates with the contact of Ru, and to the blade or R1 which cooperates with contact Rlb- Contacts R1 and Rs. are connected together by means of a conductor ll, while contacts Rlb and Rat are connected together by means of conductor 46. Thus, R1 and R: constitutereversing relays for changing the polarity of the current in the conductors H and 48.

Conductor I4 is connected to the blade of relay R4 which cooperates with the normally open contact R and the normally closed contact Rad, while conductor 48 is connected to the blade of this relay which cooperates with the normally open contact R and normally closed contact R41.

Contacts Ru and R41 are connected to conductors 28 and 30, respectively. The contacts RAc and Ric are connected by means of conductors l8 and 50 with the normally open contacts R30 and Rat, respectively, of a relay R3. The blades cooperating with contacts Res and R36, respectively, are connected through conductors 52 and 54, respectively, with the brushes of motors A and B, the armatures of these motors being connected in parallel. A conductor 55 connects the normally closed contacts Raw and RSc' together to provide a dynamic braking circuit.

The contact 58 or single pole double throw switch 20 is connected through. conductor 58 to the blade oi'the relay Ra, the normally closed contact Rs. of which is connected through the conductor 60 to one side of the solenoid of relay R3, the other side of which is grounded. Conductor 60 is also connected to the blade of relay R; which cooperates with the normally open contact R81. This contact is connected by conductor 62 with the coil of relay R4 and with the heating element of thermal relay TRJi.

In the drawings all of the relays are shown in their deenergized positions, under which conditions the motors are at rest with all circuits open. When it is desired to start the motors in one direction of rotation, the switch I! is thrown .to the upper position, that is, with the blades closing the contacts I4 and 24, and the switch 20 is also thrown to the upper position, which closes the contact 58. Current thus flows from the battery in through the contact ll of switch l2, the conductor l8, the contact 58 of switch 20, the conductor 58, the contact R6; and the conductor 80 to thus energize the relay Rs. Consequently, the contacts Ru, Rae, and Rio are closed and the contacts Raw and Rllc' are open. Current also flows from the conductor 0 through contact R:- and conductor 62 to the heating element of relay TR1 from where it flows through contact Rn to ground. Contact TR1. is open, as shown in th wiring diagram, but will close after a predetermined lapse of time due to the heating element.

Relay R is not energized because contacts Ru aseaoae scribed, the following circuits to the motor are completed.

The field windings I2 and 34 are excited by current supplied through the closed contacts Rfia and TR are both open. Consequently, contacts R4, R44, and R4: are closed, while R, Rio, and Rh are open.

Closing of the contact 24 of switch I! supplies current directly to the relay Ra, thus energizing it and closing its contacts Ba and Rab. Relay R1, being connected to the open contact 28 of switch II- is not energized and its contacts R1- and Rn, remain open. The closing of contact l4 oi! switch I! supplies current to relay Rs, thus energizing it and closing its contacts Re. and Rob. While the relays are in the condition just deand Rat and the conductors 38 and 38. Current from the line 40, 42 flows through the closed contacts Rn and Ran, the conductors M and 48, the normally closed contacts Ru and R41 and the conductors 28 and 30 to the slip rings of the motors A and 15. Thus, the fields being excited and direct current supplied to similar points in the armature-windings of the two motors, the armatures will be angularly positioned with respect to each other, in accordance with the disclosure in the application Serial No. 428,018.

The manual switches l2 and 20 being left in the same position, as soon as the heating element of thermal relay TRl has become heated, contact min closes so as to complete the circuit oi! the solenoid oi! relay R4 through contact 58 of switch 20, conductor 58, contact Res, conductor 80, contact Ru, conductor 82, and contact TR to ground. The actuation of relay R4 closes contact R4; and opens contact Rdb. Thus, the circuit through the coil of relay R4 to ground is completed through contact Rn, while the circuit through the heating element of TB]. is open, permitting the element to cool and the contact TR thereof to open. However, the relay R4 remains energized through its own holding circuit including the contact Ru. The energizing of relay R4 closes contacts Rte and R4. and opens contacts R44 and R41. Consequently, the flow of line current to the conductors 28 and 30 leading to the slip rings is interrupted and this current now flows through the conductors 48' and 50, the closed contacts Rfib and RR of energized relay R3 and the conductors 52 and 54 to the commutators of the motors A and B. The conductors I2 and 54 are not short-circuited through conductor 55 because contacts Rilb' and Ric are open. The motors now start and are caused to run in synchronism because of the conductors 28 and ll which connect the slip rings of the motors. I

The motors will ordinarily continue to run in this manner until the single pole switch 20 is thrown to its lower position so as to open contact I8 and close contact 22. Inasmuch as switch l2 has not been actuated, relays Ba and Rs are still energized as before and R1 is still deenergized. However. opening of contact 58 has opened the circuit to the solenoid of relay R: and this relay is deenergized-so as to open its contacts Rh, Rae, and Rae and to close contacts Raw and Rac'. During the time it takes to throw the switch 20 from its upper to its lower position, the relay R4 is deenergized so that its contacts Rm, Ru. and R4: are closed while its contacts Rn, R40, and R are open. Closing of contact 22 serves to complete a circuit through the heating element of thermal TR1 and contact R4 to ground. Contact TR is open, but will close after a predetermined lapse of time. Under these conditions current from the line 0, 12 passes through the closed contacts Ru and Rat, the conductors N and 48, the closed contacts R44 and R4: and the conductors 2! and 30 to the slip rings or the motor. Due to the opening of contacts R44 and R4. as well as the opening of contacts Rat and Rae, the supply of current to the commutators o! the motor is interrupted and the commutator: are short-clrcuited through the closed contacts Raw and Rio and the conductor 55. This causes the motors to be dynamically braked and angularly I open.

2,899,899 3 i the relay R1 will be directly energized by the clospositioned, for the reasons pointed out in application Serial No. 428,018.

As soon as the heating of 'I'Ri has closed contact 'I'Rla, relay R4 is energized through contact 22 and contact TR to ground. This closes contacts R, Rm, and R49 while opening contacts R4b, Rm, and R4r. The closing of contact R4. completes the holding circuit for relay R4 and maintains this relay energized, while the opening of contact Ra interrupts the supply of current to mi. The opening of contacts Ru and R4: interrupts the supply of current to contact R4d and R4: and hence to conductors 28 and 30 connected to the slip rings. While contacts R40 and R4: are closed while relay R4 is energized, nevertheless the circuit to the commutators of the motors is not completed because contacts R3b and R30 are open.

The motors are now stopped with their armatures angularly positioned with respect to each other and all of the motor circuits are open. The switches I2 and 20 should then be thrown to neutral position in order to deenergize all of the relays.

If, during synchronous operation of the motors A and B, the motors are subjected to loads of greatly different magnitudes, a current of high amperage will flow through the conductors 28 and 30 attempting to hold the motors in synchronism. In order to prevent damage to the motors and to prevent them from operating out of synchronism, the current operated relay Re is connected in series with the conductor 28. At a certain value of current, preferably a value just below that at which the motors will drop out of synchronism, the contact Rea opens, thus interrupting the supply of current to the relay Ra, which results in the deenergizing of this relay and the opening of its contacts R33, Rab, and Ric and the closing of contacts Rflb' and R3c'. The

opening of contact Rn deenergizes relay R4 with the result that its contacts R4b, Rm, and R4: are closed while its contacts R 5, R4c, and R-le are Consequently, line current is supplied through the conductors 44 and 46, the closedcontacts R411 and R4: and the conductors 28 and 38 to the slip rings of the motors, while the supply of current to the commutators is interrupted by the opening of contacts Ru and R41 as well as by the opening of contacts Rat and R30. The closing of contacts Raw and R30 short-circuits the commutator brushes and the motors are dynamically braked and angularly positioned in the same manner as previously described.

Stopping of the motors eliminates the high current flowing through the conductors 28 and 30 and consequently relay Re is deenergized and its contact R60. closes. This in turn energizes relay R3 so as to close its contacts Rn, Rab, and Raw and open contacts Raw and RSc'. Closing of contact R39. supplies current to the heating element of TRi and, as soon as TRla closes, the relay R4 is energized in the same manner as was described when switch 20 was first thrown to its upper position. Consequently, the motors will again start and run in synchronism unless the condition of unbalance'oi their respective loads still obtains, in which event R62. will again open.

If it is desired to operate the motors A and B in the reverse direction, they are started by throwing the switch 2l l to its upper position and the switch 12 to its lower position. The sequence of operations previously described will occur with the exception that, with the switch I 2 in its lower position, the relay R: will not be energized and 18 of contact 20. This results in reversing the polarity of the current in the conductors 44 and 48. Thus, it the conductor 42 is connected to the positive side of the line, the conductor 46. will carry positive current it the relay R1 is energized so as to close its contacts R1. andRm. However, it relay R2 is energized, the positive conductor 42 will be' connected through contact R2. to conductor 44. Inasmuch asthe polarity of the field is not reversed, the motors will now operate in a reverse direction. Relay R5 is energized whenever switch' l2 isclosed in either position, inasmuch as contacts 14 and it are connected together. For the same reason, current will be supplied to the blade of switch 20 whenever switch I2 is closed in either position.

While relay R5 ha been shown for controlling excitation current supplied to the field circuit, this relay may be omitted if it is not felt necessary to open the grounded conductor 38. As shown, the solenoid of relay R5 'is connected to both contacts l4 and I6 ofdouble pole switch I2, and hence the relay is energized and its contacts Rio and RSI) are closed whenever switch I2 is closed in either direction. It follows, therefore, that the fields 32 and 34 are excited whenever switch I2 is closed, and are not excited whenever the switch is open. Obviously, the same result would be obtained if conductor 36 were connected directly to contacts l4 and I8, and conductor 38 were permanently grounded.

The circuits shown in the wiring diagram of Fig. 2 accomplish substantially the same results as'those shown in Fig. 1 but require only a single manually operated switch, namely, the double pole double throw switch 10 which is thrown to one position to cause rotation of the motors in one direction and to the other position to cause rotation in the opposite direction. The motors are dynamically braked and positioned when the switch 18 is thrown to neutral from either position. The results obtained by the circuits shown in Fig. 2 differ primarily from the circuits shown in Fig. 1 in that in case of an overload in the slip ring circuit of the motors, they are automatically stopped and positioned, but will not start up again unless the manual switch 10 is thrown to neutral position and then closed again. Also, the motors are not positioned before starting, but thi often is not important, as in many applications the motors cannot get out of position when stationary, and hence retain the correct angular positions which they received when previously stopped.

Contacts 12 and 14 of switch 10 are connected together and to the normally open contact TRm of thermal relay 'I'Ru by means of a conductor 16. The blade of relay TRm is connected through a conductor I8 to one side of the solenoid of relay R15, the other side of which is grounded. Conductor I8 is also connected to the normally open contact Rm, the blade of which is connected by means of a conductor 88 to conductor I6. 7

A conductor 82 leads from a suitable supply of direct current, such as the battery [0 of Fig. l and is connected to both blades of switch 10. A conductor 84 is connected to conductor 82 and to the normally open contact R15. The blade of relay R15 which cooperates with the contact R15b, as well as with contact R1512, is connected by means of a conductor 86 to one side of the solenoid of relay. R11, the other side of which is grounded, and to the blade of relay R1: which cooperates with normally open contact Rm.

tact 94 of switch 10 is connected by conductor 96 to one side of the solenoid of relay R11, the other side of which is grounded.

A conductor 90 connects conductor 82. with the blade of relay R1: which cooperates with normally open contact R11- and normally closed contact R1311. A conductor I connects contact R13. with normally open contact R111, while a conductor I02 connects contact R1311 with theblade of relay oi Rn'which cooperates with contact R1411, as well as with normally closed contact R11. A conductor I04 connects contact R14. and hence conductor I00, with the blade of relay R15 which cooperates with normally closed contact R1511. This contact is connected by a conductor I06 with the normally closed contact TR11. of thermal relay TR11 and with the normally open contact R111. of relay R12. The blade of TR11 is connected by conductor I08 with one side 0! the solenoid of relay R12, the other side of which is grounded. A conductor H0 connects the blades of relay R111 which cooperate with contacts R11. and Rifle, respectively, with the line 02. A conductor III connects normally open contact R1211 with normally closed contact R1111.

A conductor II4 connects the normally open' contact Rm with one side of the respective field windings a2 and 34, the other side of each. winding being grounded.

The conductors 40 and 42 connect the blades of relay R11 with any suitable supply of direct current. The normally open contacts R11. and Rim are connected by means of conductors 30 and 28, respectively, with the slip rings of motors A and B, the heating element of thermal relay 'I'Rn being connected in series with the conductor 28.

A conductor H6 is connected to the normally closed contact R111, and to the normally open contacts R114 and R1111 while a conductor H0 is connected to the normally closed contact R1111 and to the normally open contacts Rik and Rue. The commutator brushes of the motors A and B are connected in parallel to the conductors I2 and 54. Conductor 52 is connected to the blade of relay R11 which cooperates with contact Rm and to the blade of relay R1: which cooperates with contacts R114 and Rm, while conductor I4 is connected to the blade of relay R11 which cooperates with contacts Rm and R14. and to the blade of relay R1: which cooperates with contact Rm, Normally closed contacts R11. and R14. are connected together by means of a conductor I20.

The operation of the circuit shown in Fig.2 is as follows. If the switch I0 is thrown to its upper positio for operation of the motors in one direction, relay R1: is energized directly by current supplied through conductor 92 from contact 00, thus closing contacts R1311, Rm, and Rm and opening contacts R1111 and Rm. Relay R14 is not energized because contact 94 of switch I0 is open and consequently contacts R14 and Rm are closed while contacts Rm, Rm, and R111: areopen.

Relay R15 is not energized because contact TR11. of thermal relay TR11 is open. Consequently, contacts Run and R166 are closed while contacts Rm and R1 are open.

asoaeco Relay R1: is energized from the line 82 through conductor 98, contact R111, conductors I00 and I04, contact Rm, conductor I08, contact TR11. and conductor I08. Consequently, contacts Rm, R1111, and Rm are closed.

Relay R11 is not energized because contacts R1511 and R111, are both open. The circuit from relay R11 to contact R11 is through conductor 80. contact R1111, conductor III, contact R1111 and conductor I02. The circuit irom relay R11 to contact Rica is directly through conductor 08 to the blade which cooperates with contacts R11. and Rm. With R1111 open and Rm closed, the circuit from relay R11 continues from Rm through conductor 88 to the heating element 0! TR11, but as both R11 and TR11 are grounded, no current flows. Relay R11 being deenergized, contacts R1111 and R1111 are closed, While Rm. and R111: are open.

The circuit to the heating coil of thermal relay TR11 is not completed because contact Rm is open. This circuit is through conductor 00, contact Rm. conductor 06, contact Rm, conductor H2, contact R1111 and conductor I02 to Open contact Rm.

Under these conditions, current from the line 40, 42 flows through contacts R1111 and R1111, conductors H0 and H8, contacts Rm and Rum, and conductors 04 and 02 to the commutators of the two motors. No current is supplied from the line to the conductors 20 and 00 connected to the slip rings because the contacts R1111 and Bile are open.

The armature leads 52 and 54 of the motors are not short-circuited because contact Rm is Open. Under these conditions, the motors will start and run in synchronism, although the armatures will not be angularly positioned immediately before they start.

If theswitch 10 is thrown to its lower position, the motors run in the opposite direction, the circuits then being as follows.

Relay R14 is energized directly by current supplied through contact 84 or switch 10 and conductor 90. Consequently, contacts Rm, R1411, and Rm are closed while contacts R1411 and Rm are open.

.Relay Rn is not energized because contact 00 of switch I0 is open. Consequently, contacts R111, and Rm are closed while contacts Rm, Rm, and Rm are-open. As was the case previously, relay R15 is not energized because contact 'I'Rm is open and R1111 are closed. The heating element of thermal relay TR11 is not supplied with current because contact R1111 is open.

Under these conditions, the field windings 02 and 34 are supplied with current from line 02 through conductor IIO, contact R121: and conducquently, the motor A and B will start and operate synchronously but in a reverse direction.

After the motors have been operating in either contacts R15 and R1511 are closed While contacts R1511 and R1511 are open.

Relay R1: remains energized through its own holding circuit including conductor H0, contact R1211, conductor I06, contact 'I'Rlla and conductor I08. Consequently, contacts Rm, R12 1, and Rm are closed.

Relay R11 is now energized through conductor 86, contact R1111, conductor I I2, contact R1411, conductor I02, contact R1311, and conductor 98 to the line 82. Consequently, contacts R115 and Rilc are closed while contacts R1111 and R1111 are open.

Current is supplied to the heating element of thermal relay TR11 through conductor 88, contact Rific, conductor 86, contact R1211, conductor H2, contact R1411, conductor I02, contact R131, and conductor 98 from the line 82. ContactTRna is closed but will Open as soon as it becomes heated. Under these conditions, the field coils 32 and 34 are still excited by current supplied from the line 82 through the conductor H0, contact Rm, and conductor Ht. Current from the line 40, 42 is supplied through contacts R115 and R1111, and conductors 28 and 30 to the slip rings of the motors. No current is supplied to the armature circuit 52, 54 because contacts R1111 and R115 are open. On the other hand, the armature circuit is short-circuited through contact R1118, conductor I 2.0, and contact R1411.

'The short-circuiting of the armatures results in dynamic braking of the motors which brings them to a quick stop and the supply of direct current to the slip rings positions the armatures angulariy with respect to. each other.

After a predetermined length of time, the contact TRlln opens due to the heating of the heating element of thermal relay 'IR11. 1

Relays R13 and R11 remain deenergized because both contacts and 94 are open. Consequently, contacts Rnband R1311 are closed nd Co tact R1511, Rm, and R1311 are open, while contacts R1411 and Rl le are closed and R1411, R145 and R1111 are open.

Relay R15 remains deenergized because both contacts 12 and H of switch 10 are open and also because contact TR1211 is open. Consequently,

Rm and Rm. The field current is interrupted inasmuch as Rm is open and no current is supplied to the slip rings inasmuch as contacts R11- and R115 are open. The motors consequently are at rest with all circuits open and the system is in condition to be started again when desired.

Thermal relay TR12 is provided for the same purpose a was relay Rs in Fig. 1, namely, to stop the motors in the event they become so unequally loaded that they would otherwise drop out of synchronism. Assuming the double pole double throw switch III is in its lower position, the relays R14 and R1: will be energized in the manner previously described, while relays R13, R111 and R11 will not be energized and no current will be supplied to the heating element of thermal relay TR11. 1!, under these conditions, the current flowing through the conductors 28 and 38 reaches too high a value, the heating element of relay TRm is heated sufliciently to close the contact 'I'Rm. This completes the circuit from contact 14 of switch 10 through conductors l6 and 18 I to the solenoid of relay R15 thu energizing this contacts R150 and R1511 are closed while 15a and R1511 are open.

relay. Consequently, contacts R1511 and R1511 are closed and contacts R150 and Rlfid are open. The closing of R158. completes a holding circuit for relay R15 through conductors 16 and 80, and consequently, the relay will remain energized after contact TRm opens again due to the cooling of the heating element of relay 'I'R1z. Relay R11 remain energized through contact 94 and conductor 9 6 and consequently, contacts R1151, R140 and Bud are ClOSBd while contacts R1411 and Rue are open.

Relay R15 remains deenergized, inasmuch as contact is open and consequently, contacts R1311 and R1311 are closed while R1311, R1311 and R1311 are open. Relay R12 remains energized through contacts 'I'Rlla and R125 and consequently contacts R125, R121, and Rim are closed.

Relay R11 becomes energized through the closing' of contact R1511, thus completing its circuit through conductors 88 and 84.

No current is supplied to the heating element of relay TR11 inasmuch as the contact R156 is now open.

Under these conditions, the current supplied to the armature is interrupted inasmuch as con tacts R1111 and R1111 are open. The current supplied to the field is maintained inasmuch as contact R remains closed. The closing of contacts Rue and Rllc supplies direct current to the slip rings through conductors 28 and 30. The armatures are not short-circuited because contact Rue remains open. Consequently, the motors will be stopped and angularly positioned in the same manner-as though switch 10 had been thrown to neutral position, with the exception that the motors will not be dynamically braked.

In order to start the motors again, it is necessary for the operator to throw the manual switch 10 to neutral which deenergizes relay R15, inasmuch as both contacts 12 and M are open, and then to again close the switch, whereupon the motors will again start in the manner first described in connection with Fig. 2. If the unbalance in load has been removed, the motors will operate synchronously. Otherwise, the abnormal current flowing through the heating element of relay TR12 will again close contact TR and the motors will be again stopped and positioned.

The circuits in accordance with Fig. 2 are suitable for the control of the motors A and B when employed for any genera1 purpose. By the addition of so-called limit switches, these circuits may be used to control the motors A and B when the latter are employed for operating the landing flaps on an airplane. A landing flap consists of a pivotal lower wing section which in normal flight coincides with the contour of the wing, but which may be pivoted through a suitable angle, usually approximately 55, so as to increase the lift of the wing thereby reducing the landing speed of the plane; A landing flap is provided in each of the wings and the motor A may be suitably geared to the flap in one wins and the motor B geared to the flap in the other wing so that the two flaps will be operated in synchronism. I

Asshown in Fig. 2, a pair of limit switches I201: and Illlb are connected in series in the conductor 98 leading from the contact 84 to the relay R14. Limit switch Illa is normally closed, butis arranged to be opened automatically when the landing flap controlled by the motor A has been turned through the desired angle, such as 55, while limit switch Illb i arranged to be opened when the flap controlled'by motor B is turned through a like angle.

Limit switches Illa and III!) are connected in series in the conductor 82 leading from contact 90 to relay Ru. These switches are normally closed but are arranged to be opened when the flaps controlled by the motors A and B res ectively, have been turned to closed position, that is, to an angle of When the pilot desires to land, he throws the switch III to it lower position, thus closing contacts l4 and 94. Inasmuch as limit switches Ina and I2Iib are both closed, the relay circuits will operate in the manner previously described and the motors A and B will be started and will run in synchronism. The motors will continue to operate in this manner until the landing flaps controlled thereby have been turned through the desired angle, whereupon the limit switches Ina and llflb will be opened. This will have exactly the same effect on the relay circuits as has the opening of switch ll, inasmuch as contacts I2 and I4 are connected only to the relay Rm, which functions only in the event of an unbalance in the load on the motors. Consequently, when limit switches I 20a and I!!!) open, the current supplied to the armatures of the motors will be interrupted and supplied-instead to the slip rings, and the armatures willbe short-circuited. As previously described, this results in dynamic braking and positioning of the motors in exactly the same way a though switch II had been opened by hand. It is advisable to provide a limit switch operated by the flap controlled by each motor in order to stop both motors in the event that one flap reaches its open position before the other, which might occur due to a faulty adjustment of the flaps.

When the pilot desires to close the landing flaps, he throws the switch II to its upper position, thus causing the motors A and B to rotate in the reverse direction, aspreviously described. This rotation continues until the landing naps have reached their closed position, whereupon the limit switches I2la and III!) are opened which again has the same effect as throwing the manual switch II from its upper to neutral position.

Airplanes designed for dive bombing are provided with diving flaps in the upper surfaces of the wings, as well as with the aioredescribed landing flaps in the lower surfaces. In diving. it is desirable to open both the diving and landasoasee ing flaps to an angle of approximately 25', whereas in landing, only the landing flaps are opened, but to an angle of 55. Inasmuch as there are thus four iiaps to be operated, two pairs of motors are required, one pair operating synchronously to control the landing flaps and the other pair operating synchronously to control the diving'flaps. Duplicate relay circuits, each like that illustrated in Fig. 2, may be employed for controlling each of these pairs of motors, and moreover, the two circuits may be so interconnected that the throwing of one switch causes one pair of motors to open the landing flaps 55, while the throwing of another switch causes all of the motors to open all of the flaps 25. Closing of either switch in the opposite position from that .to which it was thrown previously will cause whatever flaps are open to be closed. Such an arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 3. In the wiring diagram shown in this filure, only the relays Rn, R14 and TRi: of Fig. 2 have been shown, inasmuch as the relays Rn, R12, R15 and T31; would be connected and would operate in exactly the same manner as shown in Fig. 2 and described hereinabove. The same reference characters have been used in the relay circuits in Fig. 3 which directly control the motors A and B as have been used in Fig. 2, while the same reference characters primed have been used in the circuits controlling motors A and B. It is assumed that the motors A and B control the landing flaps while the motors A and B control the diving flaps.

As is shown in Fig. 3, conductors 92 and 92' which lead to relays R1: and R'i: respectively, are connected together by a conductor I; Conductors 98 and 88'. which lead to relays Ru and Rn, respectively, .are connected together by means of a conductor I26. In this conductor there are connected in series limit switches Illa and I28b, and a normally open contact R'm actuated by relay R'n. Limit switches Illa and Illb are arranged to be opened by the landing flaps operated by motors A and B when these flaps have been opened to 25.

When the pilot wishes to open the landing flaps, he throws the switch III to its lower position,. thereby starting the motors A and B in exactly the same manner as described in connection withv Fig. 2. The motors A and B are not started because contact R'm is open and consequently the relay circuits controlling motors A and B are not affected. The motors A and B rotate until the landing flaps have been opened 55, whereupon the limit switches Illa and Illb are opened, thus deenergizing relay R14 and stopping the motors in the same manner as described in connection with Fig. 2. When the pilot wishes to closethe landing flaps, he throws the switch I0 to its upper position, thus energizing relay R1: and causing motors A and B to operate in the reverse direction until they have closed the landing flaps, whereupon the limit- This energizes relay Ru through contact 94' a and conductor 88. Consequently, the motors A and B are started and run until the diving flaps are opened 25. Thereupon, limit switches I 20a and I202) are opened causing the motors to stop. At the same time, the energizing of relay R'14 closes contact R'nr and thus current is supplied from contact 94' through conductors 96 and I26, to conductor 96, thus energizing relay R14. This causes the motors A and B to start and to open the landing flaps to an angle of 25. When the landing flaps have opened through this angle,.they open the limit switches IZBa and I28b, thus deenergizing relay R14, whereupon the motors A and B are stopped and positioned.

When the pilot wishes to close both the landing and diving flaps after the dive has been completed, he throws the switch to its upper position. This energizes relay vRia through conductor 92', thuscausing the motors A and B" to close the diving flaps. When the latter are fully closed, they open limit switches I2la and l2lb, thus stopping the motors A and B. At the same time, closing of switch 10' in its upper position causes current to flow through conductors I24 and 92 to relay Rn. Consequently, motors A and B are caused to close the landing flaps. When the latter are fully closed, they open limit switches I2ia and l2lb, thus deenergizing relay R13 arid stopping the motors A and B.

While certain specific embodiments of my invention have been shown, this has been done for the purpose of illustration only and it is to be understood that the scope of my invention is not to be limited thereby, but is to be determined by the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In an electrical system, a pluralityof similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current, a manually operable switch connected to control said current,

relay means operable upon movement of said switch to one position to supply current torthe commutator brushes, relay means operable upon movement of said switch to another position to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to the slip ring brushes, and time delay relay means actuated upon movement of said switch to said other position for interrupting the supply of current to said slip ring brushes after a short lapse of time.

2. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated. with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current, a manually operable switch connected to control said current,

relay means operable upon movement ,ofsaid switch to one position to supply current to the slip ring brushes, time delay relay means operable upon movement of said switch to said one position to interrupt the supply of currentto said slip ring brushes after a short lapse of time and to supply current to the commutator brushes, and relay means operable upon movement of said switch to another position to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes.

3. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a lurality oi slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a, brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current, a manually operable switch connected to control said current, relay means operable upon movement of said switch to one position to supply current to the slip ring brushes, time delay relay means operable upon movement of said switch to said one position to interrupt the supply of current to said slip ring brushes after a short lapse of time and to supply current to the commutator brushes, and relay means operable upon movement of said switch to another position to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to said slip ring brushes.

4. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current, a

manually operable switch connected to control said current, relay means operable upon movement of said switch to one position to supply current to the slip ring brushes, time delay relay means operable upon movement of said switch to said one position to interrupt the supply of cur rent to said slip ring brushes after a short lapse of time and to supply current to the commutator brushes, relay means operable upon movement of said switch to another position to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to said slip ring brushes, and time delay relay means actuated upon movement of said switch to said other position for interrupting the supply of current to said slip ring brushes after a short lapse of time.

5. In an electric system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a field, a wound rotor, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a synchronizing circuit connecting the slip ring brushes of the several motors together, a source of electric current for operating said motors, and relay means operable by excess current supplied to one of said motors for overcoming an excess load on that motor, said relay means being operative while the motors are still running in synchronism to interrupt the supply of current to the motors.

6. In an electric system, an electric motor having a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a source'of current, a switch connected to control said current, relay means operable upon movement of said switch to one position to supply current to said brushes and to said field, relay means operable upon movement of said switch to another position to interrupt the supply of current to said brushes, and to shortcircuit said brushes, and timedelay means actuated upon movement of said switch to said other position for interrupting the supply of current to said field after a short interval.

7. In an electric system, an electric motor having a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commuta= tor, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a source of current, a switch connected to control said current, relay means operable upon movement of said switch to one position to supply current to said brushes and to said field, relay means operable upon movement of said switch to another position to interrupt the supply of current to said brushes, and to short-circuit said brushes, and time delay means actuated upon movement of said switch to said other position for interrupting the supply of current to said field after a short interval, the first mentioned relay means also being operable upon movement of said switch to said one position to open said short circuit.

8. In an electric system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor windings at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a synchronizing circuit connecting the slip ring brushes of the several motors together, a source of electric current, means for connecting said source to the commutator brushes, and relay means connected in said synchronizing circuit and operable by the flow of excessive current through said synchronizing circuit while said motors are still running in synchronism for interrupting the supply of current to the commutator brushes of all of said motors.

9. In an electric system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality or slip rings connected to the rotor windings at spaced points and aibrush associated with nected to control said current, relay means open each slip ring, a synchronizing circuit connecting the slipring brushes of the several motors together, a source of electric current, means for connecting said source to the commutator brushes, and relay means connected in said synchronizing circuit and operable by the flow of excessive current through said synchronizing circuit while said motors are still running in synchronism for interrupting the supply or current to the commutator brushes of all or said motors and for supplying current to the slip ring brushes of all oi said motors, said relay means operable upon a cessation of flow o! the excessive current in said synchronizing circuit for interrupting the supply of current to said slip ring brushes and for again supplying current to said armature brushes.

10. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, at commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current, a manually operable switch connected to control said current, relay means operable upon movement or said switch to one position to supply current to the commutator brushes, relay means operable upon movement of'said switch to another position to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes, to short circuit said commutator brushes and to supply current to the slip ring brushes, and time delay relay means actuated upon movement of said switch to said other position for interrupting the supply of current to said slip ring brushes after a short interval.

11. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor able upon closing of said switch in one position to supply current to said slip ring brushes, time delay relay means operable upon closing of said switch in said one position to interrupt the supply of current to said slip ring brushes after a short interval and to supply current to the com-' mutator brushes, relay means operable upon closing of said switch in the other position to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes, to short circuit said commut'ator brushes and to supply current to said slip ring brushes, and time delay relay means actuated upon closing of said switch in said.

other position for interrupting the supply or current to said slip ring brushes after a short interval.

12. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a. wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a

plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current, two manually operable double throw switches connected to control said current, reversing relay means operable upon throwing one of said switches from one closed position to the other to reverse the polarity oi the fields of said motors with respect to their armatures, relay means operable upon closing of the other of said switches in one position to supply current to the commutator brushes, and relay means operable upon closing or the last-mentioned switch in the other position to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to the slip ring brushes.

13. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair or brushes associated with said commutator. a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current, a manually operable switch connected to control said current, relay means operable upon closing of said switch to supply current to the commutator brushes, relay means operable upon opening of said switch to interrupt the supply 0! current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to the slip ring brushes, and time delay relay means actuated by Opening of said switch for interrupting the supply or current to said slip ring brushes after a short interval.

14. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source or electric current, a manually operable double throw switch connected to control said current, reversing relay means operable upon throwing said switch from one closed position to the other to reverse the polarity of the fields 0! said motors with respect to their armatures, relay means operable upon closing of said switch in either position to supply current to the commutator brushes, and relay means operable upon opening said switch from either closed position to interrupt the supply or current to said commutator brushes and to sup- Dlycurrenttotheslipringbrushes. j

15. In an electrical system, a plurality oi similar electric motors, each motor including a'stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, aplurality oi sliprings connectedtotherotor windingatspacedpointsandabrush with each slip ring, a source oi electric current, a manually operable double throw switch connected to control said current, reversing relay means operable upon throwing said switch from one closed position to the other to reverse the polarity of the fields of said motor with respect to their armatures, relay means operable upon closing of said switch in either position to supply current to the commutator brushes, relay means operable upon opening said switch from either closed position to interrupt the suppl of current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to said slip ring brushes, and time delay relay means actuated by said opening of for interrupting the supply of current to said slip ring brushes after a short interval.

16. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each'motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current,

a manually operable switch connected to control said current, relay means operable upon closing said switch to supply current to the commutator brushes, a limit switch connected in series with said manual switch and arranged to be opened when one of said motors has rotated a predetermined amount, and relay means operable upon the opening of said limit switch to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to the slip ring brushes.

17. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated with each slip ring, a source of electric current, a manually operable double throw switch connected to control said current, reversing relay means operable upon throwing said switch from one closed position to the other to reverse the polarity of the fields of said motors with respect to their armatures, relay means operable upon closing of said switch in either position to supply current to the commutator brushes, 9. first limit switch connected in series with one pole of said double throw switch and arranged to be opened when one of said motors has rotated a predetermined amount in one direction, a second limit switch connected in series with the opposite pole of said double throw switch and arranged to be opened when one of said motors has rotated a like amount in the opposite direction, and relay means operable upon opening of the limit switch which is connected to the closed pole of said double throw switch to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to the slip ring brushes.

18. In an electrical system, a plurality of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, at commutator, a pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor winding at spaced points and a brush associated the switch -totheirarmatures,

' switch and operable upon listed predetermined witheaehslipring.asourceoielectriccurren, a manually perable double throw switch connected to control said current, reversing relay mans operable upon throwing said switch from onecloledpositiontotheothertoreversethe polarity of the fields oi'said motors with respect relay means operable upon closing or said switch in either position to supthe commutator brushes, a first limit switch connected in series with one pole switch and arranged to be opened when one of said motors has rotated a predetermined amount in one direction a second limit switch connected in series with the oppodouble throw-switch and arm to be opened when one of said motors has rotated alike relay means operable upon opening oi the limit switch which is connected to the closed pole of saiddouble throw switch to interrupt the supply 01' current to said commutator brushesv and to manually operable double throw switch connected to control said current, a connected respectively to pair oi reversing relays opposite poles of said closing said switch in difierent positions to reverse the polarity of the fields of said motor with respect to their armatures, a first limit switch connected in series with one of said reversing relays and arranged to be opened to thereby deenergize the latter when one of said motors has rotated a predetermined,

amount in one direction, a second limit switch connected in series with the other reversing relay and arranged to be opened to thereby deenergize the letter when one of said motors has rotated a like amount in the opposite direction, and relay means operable upon deenergization of the reversing relay which is connected to the closed pole of the double pole switch to interrupt the supply of current to said commutator brushes and to supply current to the slip ring brushes.

20. In an electric system, a first motor, a second motor, a first double throw switch, a second double throw switch, relay means operable upon closing the first switch in one position to cause rotation of said one motor, means to stop said one motor when it has rotated at predetermined amount, relay means operable upon closing said first switch in the other direction to cause reverse rotation of said one moton-means to stop said one motor when it has rotated the same predetermined amount in the reverse direction, relay means operable upon closing the second switch in one position to cause rotation of both of said motors, means to stop both motors when they have roamount which difier from the first mentioned amount, relay means operable upon closing the second switch in the other position to cause reverse rotation of both motors,

amount in the opposite direction,

current to the slip ring brushes, and time tors, a second group or motors, a first double throw switch, or second double throw switch, relay means opernhle upon closing the first switch in one position to ceuse rotation of the sectors of the first group, e, first limit switch arranged to be actuated when one of the motors oi said first group has rotated a predetermined amount, means operable upon actuation of said limit switch to stop the motors of said first group and angularly position their armatures, relay means operable upon closing the first switch in the other position to cause reverse rotation of the motors of the first group, a. second limit switch arranged to be actuated when one of the motors of said first group has rote-ted the same predetermined amount in the reverse direction, means operable upon actuation of said second limit switch to stop the motors of said first group and angularly position their armature-s, relay means operable upon closing the second double throw switch in one position to cause rotation of the motors of both groups, third and fourth limit switches arranged to be actuated when one of the motors of the first group and one of the motors of the second group, respectively, have rotated a predetermined amount differing from the first-mentioned amount, means operable upon actuation of said third and fourth limit switches for stopping the motors of both groups and angularly positioning their armatures, relay means operable upon closing said second double throw switch in the other position to cause reverse rotation of the motors of both groups, a. fifth limit switch arranged to be actuated when one of the motors of the second group has rotated the second-mentioned amount in the reverse direction, and means operable upon actuation of said fifth limit switch for stopping the motors or the second group and angularly positioning their armatures, said second limit switch being actuated when one of the motors of the first group has rotated said secondmentioned amount in the reverse direction, whereby the means operable upon actuation of said second limit switch stops the motors of said first group and angularly positions their arms.- tures.

22. In an electric system, a. first group of similar electric motors, a. second group of similar electric motors, each motor including a stationary field, a wound rotor, a commutator, a. pair of brushes associated with said commutator, a plurality of slip rings connected to the rotor windings at spaced points and a brush assocL- ated with each slip ring, a first double throw switch, a second double throw switch, two sets of reversing relays operable upon closing of the respective switches in different positions to reverse the direction of rotation of the motors of the respective groups, two sets of rela means operable upn closing of the respective switches in either position to supply current to the comope-aces with one pole of said first double throw and arranged to be opened when one of the motors of cold first group has rotated a prone termined amount, a second limit switch connected in series with the other pole oi said first double throw switch and arranged to he opened when one oi. the motors oi said first group has rotated the same predetermined amount in the reverse direction, o. third limit switch connected in series with one pole of the second double throw switch and arranged to be opened when one of the motors oi the second group has rotated a lesser predetermined amount in a. forward direction, a fourth limit switch connected in series with the other pole of sold second double throw switch and arranged to be opened when one motor of said second group has rotated said lesser amount in the reverse direction, o. conductor connecting said one pole of said first double throw switch with said one pole of said second double throw switch, a fifth limit switch connected in said conductor and arranged to be opened when one of the motors of said first group mutator brushes of the motors of the respective groups, a first limit switch connected in series of motors has rotated said lesser amount in a forward direction, a relay controlled switch in said conductor in series with said fifth limit switch, relay means connected to said one pole of said second double throw switch for closing said relay controlled switch, a conductor connecting said other pole of said first double throw switch with said other pole of said second double throw switch, and two sets of relay means operable upon opening of the limit switches which are connected to the closed poles of the respective double pole switches to interrupt the supply of current to the commutator brushes and to supply current to the slip ring brushes of the motors of the respective groups.

23. An electrical system as set forth in claim 22 including two time delay relays operable upon opening of said limit switches which are connected to the closed poles of the respective double throw switches to interrupt the supply of current to the slip ring brushes of the motors of the respective groups after a short interval.

24. An electrical system as set forth in claim 22 including relay means operable upon opening of said limit switches which are connected to the closed poles of the respective double throw switches to short circuit the commutator brushes of the motors of the respective groups.

25. An electrical system as set forth in claim 22 including relay means operable-upon opening of said limit switches which are connected to the closed poles of the respective double throw switches to short circuit the commutator brushes of the motors of the respective groups, and two time delay relays operable upon opening of said limit switches to interrupt the supply of current to the slip ring brushes of the motors of the respective groups after a. short interval.

ERIC 0. WAHLBERG. 

